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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 11.07.24
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Rob
12:52
What is in your opinion the best path to go down to become a beat writer? I graduate college this spring with a major in communications. I have experience writing for a small website and my university’s athletics site. Any tips?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Get a job covering high schools -- yes, high schools. Anywhere with an editor, where you learn what it's like to produce copy on deadline, build relationships and own a beat. You need to learn how to grind. You need to learn how to manage different projects. You need to learn how to keep stats, write fast and connect with readers. Be ready to move, too. If you do good work, keep saying yes. If someone affords you a chance to do it more, ask questions, learn, don't act like you know everything. And embrace the chance to show what you can do. Don't think about the end goal of being a pro sports beat writer or whatever it is. Think about developing a sound process first.
Stash
12:54
Jason, seeing the aging and generally unlikeable Ruskie eclipse The Great One is not enjoyable. T or F?
Jason Mackey
12:54
F
jaygray007
12:54
Maybe you haven't totally dug in yet but who are some targets youd like to see for Pirates 1b?  I could see something like Josh bell for cheap, but I'd like to see Goldshmidt for a little more expensive.  of course there are trade options too.
Jason Mackey
12:56
Can't say I've dug that far in, you're right. No thanks on Josh Bell. I don't think that sends the right message. I might be OK with Goldschmidt for the right price. They're not going to sign Pete Alonso. I really like Christian Walker, but he's probably out of their price range. This isn't going to excite anyone, but Mark Canha checks a lot of the boxes they like. I might prefer a trade for Ryan Mountcastle above any of it, honestly.
Bill b
12:56
In this time of divisiveness in America I have only seen one thing that has united Pittsburghers - The Steelers block uniforms. I thought I saw something that they’d have a new alternate next year. But let’s be honest - how can we get the block numbers to be the permanent home fit? Mobilize the people!
Jason Mackey
12:56
No doubt. Those things were glorious.
jaygray007
12:56
Has there been any word about Hayes' health?  It sure sounded like he needed some surgery to ever be good again, but what to i know?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Nah. Nobody has talked about anything period. Key disappears in the offseason. Even from people close to him. I would expect to learn more soon, perhaps if Cherington talks at the GM's meetings, definitely at the Winter Meetings.  But honestly, from what I know, it's a bunch of rest right now. Then restart once the disc issue calms down.
Saquon
12:57
Jason, if they ever build a statue of me, it's the obvious pose with me leaping that poor SOB backwards, yes?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Man, that was something else.
jaygray007
12:58
This is open ended and you can be as specific or general as you want, but let's just say you were given the power to spend 30 million on the Pirates' roster.  What would you do?
Jason Mackey
12:58
First, a bat at 1B. Legit, middle-of-the-order threat. No question, .800-plus OPS. Second, Cutch. Third, setup guys. One lefty, one righty. Guys who can pitch in leverage innings. That's it. Four items. I should be able to do it for $30 million, too.
npc210
12:59
What in the world is going on with the Pirates’ hitting coach search? You’d think this move would have been made weeks ago. I hope it means they’re doing a deep dive/some self reflection of what didn’t work under Haines but I have my doubts based on what BC said to you guys previously.
Jason Mackey
12:59
I hope so, too. I have heard nothing, honestly. It's been very quiet, either because they're trying extra hard to keep it in-house or there's nothing happening. Strange that it's been this silent, I agree.
Diggy
12:59
Hi Jason, what are the chances the Pirates pursue and sign Goldschmidt?  Do you think the Pirates believe he can still play?
Jason Mackey
1:01
He was pretty decent in the second half, if memory serves. Yeah, he fits the bill, for sure. Could be a smart, buy-low option. I think there's something left there. I just question what the market for him will be, and I imagine he wants to win now.
jaygray007
1:01
Pirates' main 2025 shortstop: currently employed by the Pirates, or currently employed elsewhere?
Jason Mackey
1:01
Currently employed.
Katie F.
1:01
Hi Jason, do you know if Malcom Nunez still fits into the Pirates’ future plans at first or third?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:01
Not unless he really does something to separate himself. They brought him back on an MiLB deal, so he's in the mix. But I don't get the sense they're penciling him in for MLB time at this point.
Minkah
1:02
Jason, milk cartons have started to document my 2-year disappearance. What gives?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Really, really odd. Use him closer to the line of scrimmage. Find a way for him to make plays. Minkah has disappeared. Again.
Dawn Football
1:02
Other than being a NIL guru what are you seeing with the new Pitt AD?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Not a ton that we didn't know. Likable guy, seems like. Good at uniting people. Genuinely wants to be at Pitt. Has really seemed to embrace this whole thing. Wouldn't say there's been anything wildly new, though.
PENS10
1:03
Thanks for the chats. Do you still believe Jarry will have his best season ever for the Pens? Maybe finish strong and win some big games for the team?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Of course. And, yes, I do. I think he'll bounce back from this. It's still plenty early.
Dawn Football
1:03
Skenes/jones/Keller/????/???? In April?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Ortiz and Falter. ... Maybe a swing situation with Oviedo & Burrows in there somewhere.
Foster
1:03
Hey Jason, do you get a sense that this is the off season that Cherrington makes a big trade or signs  significant free agent or will it be business as usual?
Jason Mackey
1:04
I think he will do more. I do. I think that's probably why they stood pat on Shelton -- that they think they're close, even if many will disagree. But I think they recognize where they're weak. I'd hope so, anyway. And they have a bunch of spots spoken for. Those they don't, they better realize they need to spend to improve them.
1:05
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for joining me. Excited to get back to some Steelers football this weekend. Will talk to you next Thursday!
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